Carney switches back to join Wolves

(GETTY IMAGES)

Brian Carney is to return to the game after signing for Warrington. The Irish winger will join the Wolves at the end of this month, after finishing his rugby union commitments with Munster.

Carney, who is 32, has not played league since Great Britain's Tri-Nations campaign in 2006. He began his career with Gateshead and played for Hull and Wigan before heading to Australia and playing successfully for the Newcastle Knights.

He had been due to join the newly formed Gold Coast Titans, but instead asked for a release to play union for the first time at a serious level, winning Ireland caps but more recently falling out of favour at Munster.

"I'm really excited by the prospect of working with Brian," said the Warrington coach, Tony Smith. "He's a championship player and his experience and know-how will be a real asset to the squad." Carney will be able to play for the Wolves in their Challenge Cup semi-final against his old club, Wigan, which has been set for Widnes on 8 August. The other semi, between St Helens and Huddersfield, will be at Warrington the following day.

The Leeds winger Ryan Hall is expected to head the list of newcomers in Smith's England squad for the Test against France in Paris on 13 June. Hall is Super League's leading try-scorer this season, with 13 so far. Hall is not in Smith's elite training squad, but others who are, like the Castleford pair, Michael Shenton and Joe Westerman, are expected to make the trip.

Leeds have extended the contract of forward Ian Kirke by another two years. Gary Wheeler has signed a new three-year contract at St Helens. Bradford, next to bottom of Super League, have signed the Manly prop Glenn Hall on a three-year deal starting next season.